Hundreds of OSHA mandated analytical methods are available through the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAM) includes dozens of analytical methods to determine metal and metal oxide exposures in workplace air. For metals, Eurofins Built Environmental Testing (EBET) Laboratories employ the analytical technology of Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) using Flame (AAS FL) or Graphite Furnace (AAS GF) to enhance analytical sensitivity. Likewise, Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) – with specific detection capabilities using, for instance Mass Spectroscopy (MS) or Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) are employed.  Check with your local EBET laboratory for availability and the latest iteration of these approved methods. ICP-MS can determine the amount of specific metal and metalloid particulates in the workplace atmosphere. The airborne particulates are collected on filters using calibrated sampling pumps. These samples are then analyzed using AAS FL, AAS GF, ICP-OES, or ICP MS depending on analytical sensitivity requirements. This method can also determine specific metals and metalloids contained in air, surface dust wipe, and bulk samples. These analyses are required by certain USEPA and OSHA circumstances.

The elements of interest include :

• Aluminum (Al)
• Antimony (Sb)
• Barium (Ba)
• Bismuth (Bi)
• Cadmium (Cd)
• Calcium (Ca)
• Cesium (Cs)
• Chromium (Cr)
• Cobalt (Co)
• Copper (Cu)
• Gold (Au)
• Hafnium (Hf)
• Indium (In)
• Iron (Fe)
• Lead (Pb)
• Lithium (Li)
• Magnesium (Mg)
• Manganese (Mn)
• Molybdenum (Mo)
• Nickel (Ni)
• Potassium (K)
• Platinum (Pt)
• Selenium (Se)
• Silver (Ag)
• Sodium (Na)
• Tellurium (Te)
• Thallium (Tl)
• Tin (Sn)
• Titanium (Ti)
• Yttrium (Y)
• Zinc (Zn)
• Zirconium (Zr)